2019 marks the 10th anniversary of the Dolomites’ UNESCO inscription

In 2009, the Dolomites were inscribed by UNESCO as an area of exceptional natural beauty comprising of 18 peaks which rise to above 3000m. The dramatic landscape is spectacularly diverse marked with steeples, rock walls, glacial landforms and one of the best examples of the preservation of Mesozoic carbonate platform systems.

Summer and autumn are the best time to visit the Dolomites, as the ice melts and the mountains turn green.

Base yourself at the heart of it all at Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano. Family owned and run, the hotel organises guided hikes, rock climbing, barbeques in the family’s mountain hut, cycling and nature walks for adults and children.

The hotel’s three Michelin-starred restaurant, St Hubertus, uses only locally sourced products from the heart of the Dolomites, the only restaurant of its calibre to do so. Chef Norbert Niederkofler has a firm commitment to sustainable food and fine dining and when creating his menus, his focus is on the mountain, the season and most importantly, no waste. In the mornings, head out and watch the chefs foraging for wild herbs to use that day.

With sheepskin chairs, pine furniture and soft Berber rugs, Rosa Alpina is the epitome of chalet chic. Bedrooms are equally cosy, with log-burning fires and mountain-facing balconies, while the glass spa is eco luxury at its best with floor-ceiling windows surrounding the spa, pool and yoga room.